Program-controlled entertainment and game device

ABSTRACT

A programmable game machine has a housing, a display unit (4) linked to the housing, preferably mounted therein, control elements (6) associated to the housing, a control unit (16) provided in the housing, and a memory device (36, 38) associated with the housing in which program and data information is stored. The game machine is preferably used as a coin-operated game machine, as a prize-giving game machine, or as a game of skill. The memory device (36, 38) preferably includes a memory unit for replaceably storing games, with only one game at a time being stored in the memory unit. The game machine may be linked to a server which supplies games for storage in the memory unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice.

Recently computers have become more and more commonly used. To achievemaximum versatility, diverse storage media have been developed forprograms and data, for example, magnetic disks, diskettes, so-calledcompact disks, programmable storage parts such as EPROMS, etc.

Conventionally, programs are stored for example in EPROMS, where theycan be modified according to circumstances. The memory space in EPROMSis however quite limited, so that the magnitude of the programs whichcan be stored in them is not suitable for all applications.

The demands on data and program storages have grown more and more. Aspersonal computers continue to become more and more common, more andmore applications are being transferred to them. But this means that allkinds of programs must run on personal computers.

In order to be able to simultaneously playback video and audioinformation, especially when it contains large amounts of data, otherstorage and output media have therefore been developed. They areso-called CDI-disks on which, according to the so-called CDI standard,data of this type can all be digitally stored. CDI disks can thuscontain program and data information at the same time, in which thepertinent program information allows access to the corresponding dataand interactive control operation is enabled. Since this can take placein real time operation, there are a host of applications. It becomespossible to read video, audio and program information at the instant ofaccess from the disk, to buffer it, and then display it as aninteractive program. In this way it is possible to switch back and forthbetween diverse program and data structures without losing time.

To enable versatile and interesting game operation, in an older Germanapplication (Ser. No. 42 22 110.2, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No.5,413,357) of the assignee a program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice with a playback unit for a CDI disk on which the program and datainformation is stored was proposed. Use of the device is determined bythe program stored permanently in the CDI disk and the device can beconfigured entirely according to requirements in terms of function. TheCDI disk makes it possible to have the game run with unexpectedlyextensive alternations. Different game functions can be interactivelyselected and combined with one another at extremely high speed.Furthermore, in the selection of a certain function and the immediatelysucceeding display from it, additional game functions can in turn beselected. In this way it is possible to jump from one game level to thenext, of course jumps from and into the different levels being possiblealternatively at any time. The game possibilities are thus increased toan extraordinary degree compared to conventional entertainment and gamedevices.

In the area of music playback devices a music playback system hasalready been developed which comprises a central computer with a memoryfor at least one music playback unit, the music playback units beinginterconnected and connected to the central computer via a long distancedata transmission line. The memory can thus be organized such that it islocated decentrally distributed among the different music playbackunits. Preferably an ISDN line is used as the long distance datatransmission line.

To improve the operating properties and to increase the ease ofoperation, especially information devices with a screen, with a controlconsole, and with a housing have been developed in which an individuallyoperator-oriented arrangement of the screen and controls is enabled. Forthis reason the control console is made as an independent control boardwhich is positioned in ground-side guide elements to be an adjustabledistance from the display CRT. The tilt of the housing with the screencan be adjusted. This embodiment enables the operator to assume anoptimum sitting position with a simultaneously favorable screen tilt.The distance to the screen can thus meet physical requirements; at thesame time the controls can be ergonomically arranged. In this way thepertinent device can be operated without fatigue over a longer timeinterval.

To facilitate operation of the device and to improve clarity, largescreen projection arrangements have been developed for entertainmentdevices which make it possible to make the operating and controlcapabilities of the device more diverse and with greater inducement toplay, so that the entertainment value is increased. For this reason animage pick-up means which encompasses the game field, a projectorconnected to the means, and a projection wall are provided onto whichthe recorded image of the game field can be projected. The enlargedprojected image can be exactly followed by one or more players. Jointplaying by several individuals on one device is greatly facilitated inthis way. Besides the players active at the time, those notparticipating in the game can follow its progress without hindering theplayers and can give instructions and advice to the players. It has beenproposed that a control board be assigned to an entertainment deviceoperating with projection; the board has the same actuating elements asthe actual entertainment device. In this case it will be possible todisplay individual areas of the game field by key control or computercontrol in a large or small format. Furthermore simultaneous projectionof different game fields is provided. The interplay of several playerswith and against one another is promoted thereby.

Furthermore some game devices, especially video devices, are installedwith different boards, by which they each contain programs and data fordifferent games. By changing from one board to another the pertinentgame with another version or a different game can be selected. It hasproven very disadvantageous in these game devices that an entertainmenttax rate increased by a factor corresponding to the number of boardsmust be paid. This cost increase makes the game devices uneconomical, sothat they have not become popular.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to devise an entertainment and gamedevice which enables versatile and diverse game operation.

This object is achieved according to the invention in aprogram-controlled entertainment and game device with a memory meansthat can be reprogrammed each time for storage of program and datainformation for the respective function configuration, only one gamebeing stored at a time in the entertainment and game device.

A program-controlled entertainment and game device according to theinvention comprises a housing, a display which is connected to thehousing or which is provided in it, especially a screen, the controlsassigned to the housing, a control unit provided in the housing, and amemory means which is assigned to the housing and in which the programand data information are stored.

The advantage of the program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to the invention consists in that use of the device isdetermined by the program stored in the memory means at the time. Inthis way it is possible to match the program-controlled entertainmentand game device entirely to requirements with respect to function byreading in and storing new program and data information according to thesituation. This re-storing processes results in the properties of thegame device changing, i.e., for example a different game version can beplayed. Reading in an entirely different program or game can completelyalter the function of the game device. If for example the game devicewas initially a money game, it can then be entirely a game of skill, asdesired. The hardware components of the device such as the housing,display, controls, control unit and the memory means with variablestorage contents in which the different games are stored are common tothese entirely different devices.

More in particular, with each game newly read in, the entertainment andgame device always equipped with the same basic units acquires differentgame functions. They however also act optically, since in the case of amoney gaming device for example risk ladders, turntables, special gamemeans, etc, are imaged on the display. If the multi-game deviceaccording to the invention then becomes a skill game device such as ashooting simulator or dart game, a completely different display withtarget area and hit display and the like arises. For the player, inpractice it is then a new game device with entirely different game rulesand properties.

In this way with the entertainment and game device according to theinvention it is possible to play with extreme variety. Different gameversions and games or hardware functions can be selected by eachrespective player from the available reservoir. The game possibilitiesare thus greatly enhanced compared to conventional entertainment andgame devices such as money gaming devices or skill game devices, etc.The entertainment and game device according to the invention combinesthese functions in itself and also has the advantage that theentertainment tax does not accumulate, since only one game is stored inthe device at a time.

In the entertainment and game device according to the invention thememory means is advantageously connected to the housing, preferably madeintegrated with it, yielding a compact equipment structure.

Feasibly the memory unit comprises a hard disk. Alternatively oradditionally one or more CD-ROMS can be provided as the data media inthe housing. To quickly change the CD-ROM it is a good idea if a CD-ROMmagazine is provided for storing and reading the data media.

One or more EPROMs can also be provided as the memory means. The gameevent can be integrated into the respective device via these EPROMs.

According to another version of the program-controlled entertainment andgame device according to the invention the device has a diskette drive.Then diskettes can be simply transported and exchanged to change games,by which data exchange can be made very flexible.

In one preferred embodiment of the program-controlled entertainment andgame device according to the invention the device is connected to a longdistance data transmission line, in which the received data can bestored for example on the hard disk. In this way game operation can bemade especially flexible. The data can be exchanged for example by theinstaller, alternatively however also by the user, i.e., the player. Iffor example the installer sees that the frequency of use of thepertinent game device is clearly diminishing, he need simply replace thestored game by another game in which there seems to be greater interestusing a command and corresponding read-in of new game data.

These data exchanges can of course take place at the desired time andare fundamentally not linked to game operation, i.e., data are notusually transmitted on line.

Advantageously the program-controlled entertainment and game device canbe connected to a network, in which preferably there is a server forcontrol of the device or of a network assigned to the device.

Another flexible configuration of the program-controlled entertainmentand game device according to the invention arises by assigning orconnecting the device to an evaluation unit. In this way for example thefrequencies of use and selection processes can be automated with regardto games to be newly read in.

A keyboard and/or mouse, as for a personal computer, can be provided ascontrols. A joystick or laser beam can also be used. Alternatively oradditionally a control keyboard or controls can also be attached on thescreen, like a touchscreen. Furthermore a touch panel, i.e., a matrix ofoptical transmitters/receivers which acquire the interruption of a lightbeam can be provided. In this way the player can subjectively intervenedirectly into the game by being active with his hands on the game field.

One advantageous embodiment of the entertainment and game deviceaccording to the invention comprises a control board which can also beprovided in addition. Furthermore it is also possible to play using aremote control unit. In another preferred embodiment of the inventionthe controls are made at least partially voice-controlled.

In order to enable game operation with inclusion of several players oreven a third individual who is not playing, the display unitadvantageously comprises a large screen projection unit or TV screen towhich is assigned preferably a control board assigned to the device.

There is preferably a means by which at least individual areas of thedisplay can be selected by computer control and can be displayed in alarge or a small format. This greatly facilitates game operation. Theplayer then moreover sees only the display and control functions ofinterest at the moment by emphasis in the game areas currently in use,by which he can concentrate much more than conventionally on playing thegame.

In order to illustrate the different function areas and game levels,simultaneous representation of several displays on the display unit isadvantageously possible. In this way the player can on the one handsurvey the game area in use at the instant. On the other hand, he canalso examine other game areas which will shortly be of interest to him,for example.

To jump into the different game levels and to better survey the jumping,preferably a selection means is provided by means of which equipmentfunctions assigned to the display elements can be selected for continuedequipment operation.

According to one preferred embodiment of the program-controlledentertainment and game device according to the invention a means isprovided for coin/currency input, checking and return.

The program-controlled entertainment and game device according to theinvention is preferably used as a money gaming device. The practicalconfiguration-can for example be such that a conventional money gamingdevice is displayed on the screen and is operated by means of thecontrols assigned to the housing according to the invention in theconventional manner. For this reason it can also have turntables and/orrollers in the conventional manner.

For interactive game operation it is especially advantageous if there isa game of risk which, when using already achieved winnings, increasesthe latter with the danger of loss, with a risk ladder which can bedisplayed on the display device consisting of several display elementswhich are individual to the winnings. While playing for example the riskladder can be changed; it is possible to jump back and forth, dependingon the winnings constellation which is instantaneously presented. Thus asymbol or special game means can also be provided. Furthermore the moneygaming device according to the invention can include a lottery unit witha separate display field which can be optically emphasized in thepresence of a randomly controlled or stipulated event, in which withoptical emphasis at least the next riskable winnings can be riskedgame-controlled without danger or loss.

To facilitate game operation a selection means can be provided by whichsubsequent game operation can be executed on selected game deviceelements and the selected game device elements are shown enlarged.

Another preferred use of the program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice according to the invention consists in use as an automaticmerchandise prize device. In automatic devices of these type themerchandise is offered with certain values and delivered according tothe game result achieved.

Another preferred use of the program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice according to the invention is moreover its use as an automaticskill game. Here as well numerous game versions apply, by which theinducement to play for skill players is extraordinarily increased. Hereit must be considered that on the one hand the combination and selectionpossibilities for the player are far greater than usual. On the otherhand the equipment reaction is somewhat accelerated compared tocurrently used automatic devices.

One preferred embodiment of the automatic games of skill according tothe invention is made as a shooting simulator in which the display unithas a screen which is used as the firing field and a camera which isconnected to a storage and evaluation unit and which scans visible hitsproduced with an optical firearm on the screen. Here display of theevaluation simultaneously with the firing field is feasible. Shootingsimulations are then enabled in a manner which is interesting to theplayers.

Furthermore, in automatic games of skill according to the inventionthere is advantageously an evaluation system for game operation withseveral players such that the evaluation display of the players playingat the time and/or all players is presented. Inducement to play isgreatly increased by the simultaneous display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is further explained below using the following descriptionof several embodiments and the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view which illustrates the basic structure of afirst embodiment of a program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a program-controlled entertainmentand game device according to the invention, and

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a program-controlled entertainmentand game device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The entertainment and game device according to the invention can bebuilt in a number of embodiments. They include:

a stand-alone device,

a stand-alone device with long distance data transmission, for example,to an external server or an external evaluation system,

a networked equipment configuration with a local server and a longdistance data transmission link to an external server or externalevaluation system, and

a networked equipment configuration in an association of game-roomnetworks which are connected via a long distance data transmission linkto a server or external evaluation system.

FIGS. 1 through 3 show the first three of the aforementioned versions.

First the basic structure of a program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice according to the invention is explained using the embodiment inFIG. 1. Entertainment and game device 2 which is shown is acoin-operated stand-alone device. It comprises a housing which is notshown, to which is connected display 4 in the form of a screen, forexample, a VGA monitor. Furthermore, controls 6 in the form of an inputkeyboard are connected to the housing. Such an input keyboard has keyswhich serve as manually operable control members. Coin processing unit 8is provided for coin game operation. Furthermore an acoustic outputdisplay and support unit is connected to the device and comprises stereoamplifier 10 and speaker 14 connected to it via two connecting lines 12.

On system board 16 is the control unit which can be a conventionalsystem card. It is provided with DVI card 18, in which DVI "digitalvideo interactive" is a trademark of Intel Corporation, USA. The DVIcard is connected via line 20 to display 4. I/O module 22 is connectedvia line 24 to controls 6 and via line 26 to coin processing unit 8. Asound card, so-called sound board 28, is connected via line 30 to stereoamplifier 10.

System board 16 is connected via supply line 32 to power pack 34. Amemory means assigned to the housing includes hard disk 36 and diskettestation 38 or diskettes which are connected to system board 16 via lines40 or 42. Optionally CD-ROM 44 shown by the broken line can be provided;it is connected to system board 16 via line 46 which is likewise shownby a broken line.

As follows from the aforementioned equipment structure the entertainmentand game device according to the invention is suited for extraordinarilyflexible operation based on its capacity to combine graphics, still andmoving pictures and an audio part using a single computer.

For the equipment function or version desired at the time only onecorresponding program with the pertinent data need be read into thememory means. The device then functions according to this new functionstipulation.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of entertainment and game device 102according to the invention which is likewise executed as a stand-alongdevice. On the front side, screen 104 which is used as a display isbuilt into housing 101 of device 102. Underneath display 104 there arecontrols 106. Underneath controls 106 is modem 150 which is connected toa long distance transmission line via line 152 and Datex-P-access jack156 which is located in wall 154.

This embodiment of the entertainment and game device according to theinvention can thus be operated in conjunction with an external server oran external evaluation system. The server or evaluation system is acomputer which is operated by the installer and which makes contact viathe long distance data transmission link with the computers of theindividual game rooms and monitors the individual devices or undertakestheir evaluation. It is also possible to overplay new software onto thelocal hard disks of the server itself.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of program-controlled entertainment andgame device 202 according to the invention. It is a networked equipmentconfiguration with a local server and long distance data transmissionlink to an external server or external evaluation system.

Several devices 2 are connected via lines 260 or network 262 to localserver 264. Server 264 is connected via line 240 to hard disks 236.Furthermore CD-ROM 244 is connected to local server 264 via line 246.Server 264 contains modem 250 which is connected via line 252 to longdistance data transmission connection 256.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Italso includes other embodiments and partial combinations of the claimedand/or described features.

What is claimed is:
 1. A program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice for use with a server, comprising:a housing (101), a display unit(4, 104) which is connected to housing (101) or which is provided in it,controls (6; 106) assigned to housing (101), a control unit (16, 18, 22,28) providing in housing (101), memory means (36, 38, 44; 236, 244)which is assigned to the housing in which application programinformation is stored, the memory means being re-programmable each timefor storage of program and data information for a respective functionconfiguration, only one game being stored at a time in the entertainmentand game device; and means for linking the program-controlledentertainment and game device to the server to receive games for storagein the memory means.
 2. A program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice according to claim 1, wherein the memory means (36, 38, 44) isconnected to the housing.
 3. A program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice according to claim 1, wherein the memory means comprises a disk(36; 236).
 4. A program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising one or more CD-ROMs (44) thatare provided as data media in the housing.
 5. A program-controlledentertainment and game device according to claim 1, further comprisingseveral CD-ROMs that are provided as data media, and a CD ROM magazinefor storing and reading the data media.
 6. A program-controlledentertainment and game device according to claim 1, wherein the memorymeans includes one or more EPROMs.
 7. A program-controlled entertainmentand game device according to claim 1, wherein the memory means comprisesa diskette drive (38).
 8. A program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice according to claim 1, wherein the means for linking comprises along distance data transmission line.
 9. A program-controlledentertainment and game device according to claim 1, wherein theprogram-controlled entertainment and game device is connected to anetwork (262).
 10. A program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the program-controlled entertainment andgame device is assigned to an evaluation unit or connected to it by themeans for linking.
 11. A program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice according to claim 1, wherein the controls comprise a keyboard(6), a touchscreen or touchpanel, a laser bean, a joystick and/or amouse.
 12. A program-controlled entertainment and game device accordingto claim 1, wherein the display unit comprises a screen, and wherein atleast one of the controls is provided on the screen.
 13. Aprogram-controlled entertainment and game device according to claim 1,wherein the control unit comprises a control board that is assigned tothe device.
 14. A program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein at least some of the controls are providedin a remote control unit.
 15. A program-controlled entertainment andgame device according to claim 1, wherein the controls arevoice-controlled.
 16. A program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a large screenprojection display.
 17. A program-controlled entertainment and gamedevice according to claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises means bywhich at least individual areas of the display unit can be selected andcan be displayed in a large or small format by computer control.
 18. Aprogram-controlled entertainment and game device according to claim 17,wherein it is possible to represent several displays on the display unitat the same time.
 19. A program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a selection means by whichequipment functions assigned to display elements can be selected forfurther equipment operation.
 20. A program-controlled entertainment andgame device according to claim 1, further comprising means (8) for moneyor card input, checking, debiting and/or return.
 21. Aprogram-controlled entertainment and game device according to claim 20,wherein the program-controlled entertainment and game device is a moneygaming device.
 22. A program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a selection means by whichsubsequent game operation can be implemented on selected game deviceelements and the selected game device elements are displayed enlarged.23. A program-controlled entertainment and game device according toclaim 1, wherein the program-controlled entertainment and game device isan automatic merchandise prize device, in which certain values areassigned to the merchandise and the merchandise is delivered accordingto the game winnings obtained, and wherein the program-controlledentertainment and game device further comprises a magazine for theoffered merchandise and an output mechanism for the merchandise to bedelivered.
 24. A program-controlled entertainment and game deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the program-controlled entertainment andgame device is an automatic skill game.
 25. A program-controlledentertainment and game device according to claim 24, wherein the skillgame is a shooting game in which the display unit has a screen which isused as the firing field, and further comprising a camera which scansthe visible hits produced with an optical firearm on the screen.
 26. Aprogram-controlled entertainment and game device according to 24,further comprising an evaluation system for game operation with severalplayers such that an evaluation display of the players playing at thetime/or all players is represented.
 27. A program-controlledentertainment and game device according to claim 1, wherein the memorymeans comprises a hard disk which stores games received from the server.28. An entertainment system, comprisinga server; a program-controlledentertainment and game device which is spaced apart from the server andwhich includesa display unit, at least one manually operable controlmember, a magnetic storage disk, and a game control unit connected tothe display unit, the at least one manually operable control member, andthe magnetic storage disk; and means for linking the program-controlledentertainment and game device to the server to receive games for storageon the magnetic storage disk.
 29. The entertainment system of claim 28,wherein the magnetic storage disk is a hard disk which stores only onegame at a time.
 30. The entertainment system of claim 28, wherein theprogram-controlled entertainment and game device further comprises amoney processing unit that is connected to the game control unit toreceive money from game players.